1995
- ?/95 - Denver Post commentary: "I suspect that too many Heisman Trophy voters this year have cast their ballots with pro potential in mind rather than college performance, the reason Ohio State's Eddie George finished ahead of Nebraska's Tommie Frazier. If not that, the outcome must reflect a lack of respect for the Big Eight and the Cornhuskers' less-than-imposing nonconference schedule [note: prior to Nebraska's thumping of Florida].
- 12/03/95 - [Miami 21, Atlanta 20] Dan Marino's game-winning pass hit Irving Fryar in the hands at the goal line, but he bobbled it before cradling the ball as he fell in the end zone.
"Luckily I held onto it," Fryar said. "It was wobbly, I was trying to make up my mind whether I was going to catch it with my chest or my hands. I tried to catch it with my hands." (AP) Photo
Injury puts Zatechka in spotlight
- 11/19/95 - EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - When the New York Giants started their youth movement a week ago, rookie guard Rob Zatechka didn't know how that would translate into playing time.
There's no longer any question. Lance Smith is going to miss the next few weeks because of elbow surgery and the starting job at right guard belongs to Zatechka, the fourth-round pick from Nebraska. "I've been here for eleven games, that's not a long time," Zatechka said. "I just have to look at this as an opportunity and try to make the most out of it."
Zatechka can use the work. The 6-foot-4, 307-pounder has gotten just a handful of plays this season and the Giants (3-8) need to know what he can do heading into next season.
Smith has a big contract and he might become expendable if Zatechka shows he can handle thejob. Chicago visits Giants Stadium o. Sunday. The Bears should provide a good challenge for Zatechka because they are giving up only 90.0 ards per game rushing.
"They might not be the biggest or strongest or the most talented (defense), but they are relentless," Zatechka said.
Playoffs unlikely so young Giants get playing time
- 11/15/95 - EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - With a 3-7 record and little chance of making the playoffs, Coach Dan Reeves is starting to incorporate the youth movement on the New York Giants.
Don't equate that with throwing in the towel on the 1995 season. Reeves plans on playing rookie offensive linemen Scott Gragg and Rob Zatechka for some time Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles (6-4), while also giving second-year halfback Keith Elias and rookie fullback Charles Way a few downs. Second-year wide receiver Thomas Lewis will also get a lot of action with Mike Sherrard nursing a sore right knee.
"I'm not going to do anything that will keep us from having a chance to win," Reeves said Thursday after a spirited practice. "We just feel like there are some places that we have to work some people in there, much like we started several weeks ago with Tyrone (Wheatley). We have other people in the same situation."
Wheatley probably will get more carries this week, but the bigger change will involve Gragg, the second-round pick, filling in at right tackle for Doug Riesenberg, and Zatechka, the fourth-round pick, playing for Lance Smith at right guard.
Riesenberg, 30, and Smith, 32, both have big contracts and they might become expendable if Gragg and Zatechka show promise.
Neither rookie has been told how much playing time he'll get against the Eagles, who beat the Giants 17-14 earlier this season.
"Lance may play great and they may decide to keep him on the field the whole game," Zatechka said. "Or they may put me in the second quter and keep me in there. I just don't know."
- 10/05/95 - Broderick Thomas finding his niche
- 10/03/95 - NU Linemen growing into NFL
- 10/01/95 - Taylor-made chances paying off
- 09/21/95 - Nate Turner told to rest after kidney injury
- 09/13/95 - Rathman still Eagles target if he decides to unretire- but the Raiders still own him
Eyes will all be on Zatechka
- 08/26/95 - The first time New York Giants rookie guard Rob Zatechka lined up with the first-team offense this week during pass-protection drills, he went against defensive tackle Stacey Dillard.
The chunky Dillard is an excellent player, but he isn't the swiftest. Yet the 290-pound Dillard looked like that cartoon character The Flash when he blew by Zatechka not once but twice.
Zatechka has all the makings to be a solid player - the Lincoln East and University of Nebraska graduate is smart, big, aggressive. Right now, though, he is extremely raw. No matter. Sometimes a near-catastrophe like losing three starting offensive linemen forces a rookie from the comfort of the sideline into the heat.
That is why a small group of veteran offensive players talked about stepping up their play this week to make sure quarterback Dave Brown doesn't end up flattened like a blueberry pancake today at Carolina in the Giants' final NFL exhibition game.
New York (3-0) has the chance to be unbeaten in the preseason for the first time since 1990, the season the Giants went to the Super Bowl. Of course, everything does not fall on the shoulders of Zatechka. It will be a total team effort - players and the coaching staff - to protect Brown until some of the starting linemen can come back.
Because of the injuries, it's been musical chairs. All of the linemen have pro experience - except Zatechka. That is why the focus was on him this week and will also be during the game.
"I wouldn't say there is a fear factor," Zatechka said. "I've got enough people around me, guys who have been around long enough, and that's going to help me out a lot."The main problem the Giants will face is continuity. Zatechka has joined the group so soon that it will be difficult for him to feel comfortable.
"I'm getting more comfortable," he said. "I guess the big thing is taking sure I'm doing everything right." (News Services)
- Full Article
Broncos Waive Former Husker Center Lewis
- 8/23/95 - Two former Nebraska players apparently have seen their pro football comebacks ended.
Center Bill Lewis, who played for eight seasons before sitting out 1994, was waived Tuesday by the Denver Broncos when roster cuts were announced. Lewis, who was signed to a free agent contract April 6, played in seven games for the New England Patriots in 1993.
Defensive lineman Le Andre Anderson, who played for the Huskers in 1989 and 1990, was placed on the injured reserve list by the San Diego Chargers. He did not play in the NFL last year.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills cut former Husker Nate Turner, and the Kansas City Chiefs placed linebacker Troy Dumas on the injured-reserve list.
The 6-foot-1, 255-pound Turner, primarily a wingback at Nebraska, had played tight end and running back for the Bills after being selected in the sixth round of the 1992 draft. He had 13 carries in 1993 and 1994 with the Bills.
Dumas, drafted in the third round this year, suffered a knee injury earlier this month and is out for the season.
Injuries in the New York Giants' offensive line have helped rookie Rob Zatechka move into the starting lineup at left guard, the Giants announced Tuesday. Zatechka, selected in the fourth round from Nebraska, took over for Greg Bishop, who was moved to right tackle because of an injury to Scott Davis, a former star at Glenwood (Iowa) High School and the University of Iowa. (AP)
- 08/12/95 - HAMILTON,Ontario (AP)-Former Nebraska quarterback Steve Taylor threw for 114 yards and one touchdown to lead Hamilton Tiger-Cats to a 30-20 win against Shreveport in a CFL game. Taylor threw an 8-vard touchdown pass in the first quarter to give Hamilton the lead for good. He completed l2 of 23 passes and also lead the team in rushing with 42 yards.
- 08/09/95 - The Browns signed tight end Trumane Bell
- 08/04/95 - Steelers' rookie CB Barron Miles, a 6th-round choice from Nebraska, is out for the season with a knee injury. He was hurt trying to recover a fumbled kickoff during Friday's preseason game against Buffalo.
- 08/01/95 - Green Bay Packers announced the retirement of Terry Connealy, defensive tackle.
- 07/23/95 - Green Bay Packers claimed defensive lineman Terry Connealy off waivers from the New York Jets.
- 07/23/95 - The fans came out in droves to watch the St. Louis Rams' training camp. Players were impressed and happy with the turnout, except...
Rookie offensive tackle Zach Wiegert was only sort of impressed with the attendance for the first two days of training camp, with 2,500 showing up on Monday and 3,500 on Tuesday.
"It reminds me a lot of Nebraska, but I don't know if we'll ever have fans as great as that," Wiegert said.
Wiegert's the exception with that backhanded compliment. Not even two-a-day workouts can destroy the mood.
- 07/22/95 - The first casualty of Patriots camp was rookie tight end Eric Alford who was released.
- 07/21/95 - The Jets released free agent defensive tackle Terry Connealy
- 07/12/95 - 49ers release K Tom Sieler
- 07/02/95 - Bills' Turner faces Florida DWI count
Broncos out to help line with Lewis
- 06/95 - The Alex Gibbs connection is alive and well with the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos have signed three offensive linemen on the NFL freeagent market, two of whom - Bill Schultz and Broderick Thompson - have played for Gibbs. Bill Lewis could make it three.
Lewis, 31, a guard-center who played for Gibbs and Mike Shanahan with the Los Angeles Raiders, visited Broncos headquarters yesterday. He's expected to sign in the next few days to bolster the team's depth on the offensive line. Lewis didn't play in the NFL last season after being released by the Phoenix Cardinals.
- 5/95 - Kenny Walker racks Up Another 1st
Giants ink ex-Bronco linebacker Croel
- 05/31/95 - The Giants were next to last in the NFL in total sacks last year and are hoping that the acquisition of DLs Ray Agnew and Robert Harrison and LB Mike Croel can correct the problem.
- The New York Giants went to Denver to find a coach in 1993. They went back there Thursday, and came up with a pass-rushing linebacker in Mike Croel, who played for Dan Reeves in Denver, Croel agreed to a one-year deal believed to be worth $850,000.
Croel, 25, turned down potential offers from the Rams, LA Raiders, Detroit Lions, and San Francisco 49ers.
Croel was Denver's rookie of the year in 1991 with 10 sacks.
- Croel the latest to join orange rush to Giants
- Croel chooses Giants over Panthers
- Giants plan to move LB back to spot rushing the QB
- 04/29/95 - Defensive tackle Terry Connealy signed with the New York Jets.
- 04/95 - Undrafted free agent K Tom Sieler signed with the San Francisco 49ers.
- 04/95 - All American inside linebacker Ed Stewart signed with the Carolina Panthers which reunites him with former Husker Linebacker Coach Kevin Steele.
- 04/25/95 - Nebraska tight end Eric Alford signed with the New England Patriots.
- 04/01/95 - Former New England C Bill Lewis visited the Broncos on Friday and he could sign with them next week. Lewis would give the Broncos a capable backup.
1995 NFL Draft News
- 04/13/95 - Eagles sign OT Joe Sims
- 04/02/95 - New York embraces exile Croel
New York embraces exile Croel
- There may be thousands among you regard linebacker Mike Croel among the bigger busts in Denver Broncos history. But in New York some regard him as the second coming of Lawrence Taylor.
One man's trash is another man's future hall of famer.
After he signed with the Giants last week, the New York tabloiids wrote that Croel is the outside pass-rusher the Giants haven't had since Taylor retired a couple of years ago to seek a second fortune in pro wrestling.
The way the tabloids see it, Croel is the quick-hitting quarterback killer who played for Dan Reeves in 1991 and 1992, not the hopelessly lost linebacker who played for Wade Phillips in 1993 and 1994.
That's the way Croel sees it, too. And why wouldn't he? He was the NFL's defensive rookie of the year in 1991 with `0 sacsk. He had five the following year.
His numbers declined after Reeves and Nolan left for New York. He had no sacks last season. In Phillips' system the past two years, Crpe; risjed ;ess amd cpvered receovers more.
"Wade took me out of the pass-rush mode and put me in coverage and containment," Croel said. "That's not the kind of player I am. I want to rush the passer a lot more than I did."
With the Giants, he said, "it sounds like a 50-50 deal with them. I'll play the weak side and rush a lot more."
Already, Giants defensive coordinator Mike Nolan has installed Croel as the starter on the weak side of the Giants' 4-3 defensive alignment.
"I'm excited we got him," Reeves said. "He;s got great speed and acceleration. We'll play him on the weak side so we can utilize his speed and let him run some. He makes us better, even if it's just to push some players." (Denver Post)
1994
- 10/23/94 - Saints vs Rams flashback - Saints 37, Rams 34 - Oct. 23, 1994:
This might have been the craziest Saints' game ever. The Saints jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead, but the fun was just beginning. Before the game would end, the two teams would combine for over 800 return yards. Tyrone Hughes had kickoff returns for TDs of 92 and 98 yards and finished with 347 total for earn Player of the Week honors. Toby Wright returned a fumble 98 yards for the Rams, who also got a freak 103-yard punt return out of the end zone after the Saints didn't cover the punt.
- 08/25/94 - Fullbacks pressed for time Turner, Gardner play 'Left out'
- 07/22/94 - Browns' Hill makes steep climb back from injury
- 05/03/94 - Raiders sign Jamie Williams
- 04/20/94 - Browns pondering dynamite LB duo: Travis Hill might be reunited with Trev Alberts
1993
- 08/28/093 - Poster Nate Turner
- 07/21/93 - Jeff Mills brings light to coach's dark day
- 05/01/93 - Jets, Brian Washington agree to terms
- 04/06/93 - The Denver Broncos signed defensive tackle Danny Noonan to a one-year contract worth $400000
- 04/02/93 - Broncos try to lure Noonan back to game
1992
- 12/13/92 - Joe Sims made his debut at right tackle when Tootie Robins left with a separated shoulder midway through the second quarter.
"He did a helluva job," center James Gampen said. "I’d look up and he’d be smiling, saying, ‘I just pancaked a guy.’" (PackersNews.com)
- 11/11/92 - Chargers and Broncos Fined for Fighting (Kenny Walker)
- 01/01/92 - SS Brian Washington was named 1992 team MVP and the Jets honored Dennis Byrd with the Most Inspirational Player Award, which was later named the Dennis Byrd Award. (NewYorkJets.com)
1991
- 12/27/91 - Denver LB Croal named top defensive rookie
- 12/27/91 - Easy Street: Croel in landslide No. 1 choice of Broncos top rookie
1990
- 12/23/90 - Broncos sign Mills, Place Munford on IR
- 05/30/90 - Oilers' Rozier Arrested In Weapon Incident
- 01/24/90 - Brother's mistakes drive Jamie Williams
1980s
- 08/10/89 - Center Lewis in dispute with Raiders
- 05/17/89 - The Giants completed their signings of rookie free agents yesterday by adding Bjorn Nittmo, a Swedish-born left-foot kicker from Appalachian State, and Leroy Etienne, an inside linebacker from Nebraska.
- 02/03/88 - Surgery for Broncos LB Munford
- 11/15/86 - Ferocious Bear (Waechter)
- 08/23/84 - Oilers Pursue Rozier
- 07/20/81 - Sports Illustrated: The NFL comes to the Montreal -Giving His All For the Als: But making it in Montreal has been tough so far for Vince Ferragamo and some of his hotshot U.S. teammates
1970s
- 1976 - Ken Geddes articles from '76
- 1976 - Bill Olds articles from '76
- 1972 - It's 'Nebraska' vs. Dallas Cowboys In All-Star Football
- 05/12/71Redskins Add Ron McDole, 290-Pounder
1960s
- 08/16/66 - Fullback Willie Ross from Buffalo Bills of AFL has signed a five-day tryout contract with Calgary.
- 08/02/66 - Former Buffalo Bill Cookie Gilchrist had been traded to the Broncos in 1965; In August 1966 he became dissafected with the team alledgedly because they would not offer a tryout to his Bills teammate and former Husker Willie Ross.
Ross had recently been released by the AFL champion Bills. Gilchrist, who at one point tried to make his a racial beef, denied that The Broncos' refusal to give his buddy a tryout was a major cause of his disaffection.
...10 days later, on August 12, the Broncos sued Gilchrist; Two years later, Gilchrist retired from and became a scout for the Broncos. Ross eventually signed with Calgary of the CFL.
- 07/31/66 - Bills place Willie Ross on waivers
- 01/16/66 - New York Jets DE LaVerne Torczon was chosen by the Miami Dolphins in the Expansion Draft.
1950s
- 12/30/50 - East-West Shrine Game: West All-Stars Beat East 16-7, Fran Nagle Passes Confuse East At Kezar
An inspired West team, led on the ground by Southern Methodist's mighty Kyle Rote and sparked, through the air by Fran Nagle of Nebraska, upset the favored East team 16 to 7 today in the 26th annual Shrine All-Star classic. (James C. Anderson, United Press Sports)
1930s
Presnell's kick defeats Bears
1920s
- 1920s articles referring to Chamberlin, Lewellen, and Purdy. And a 1930 article referring to Oehlrich, Weir, and Weller
- 11/12/22 - Canton Bulldog FB Ed Shaw kicked a 30-yard field goal to defeat Buffalo 3-0. (FootballResearch.com)
- 10/03/20 - In what is considered one of the first games in NFL history, former Husker Ed Shaw of the Rock Island Independents blocked a Muncie Flyers punt that was returned for a 35-yard touchdown by teamate Arnie Wyman. The touchdown is probably the first in NFL history, "and definately the first on a blocked punt."
According to FootballResearch.com, the game between Muncie and Rock Island was the second (by an hour) of two games played on October 3rd, 1920 between members of the APFA (American Professional Football Association), a league that would later change its name to the National Football League. For the story and more details on early professional football games, Click here